VITAMIN E
(Tocopherol)
“The nerve protector”
– vitamin E protects against
neurological disorders. Vitamin E
is also an important and potent anti-oxidant
that counteracts the harmful effects
of free-radicals. Vitamin E has also
been proven to protect our against
heart attacks by up to 75%. %. It
is also important for the production
of energy and maintenance of health
at every level.
Even though vitamin E is a fat-soluble
vitamin, it is stored in the body
for a short period of time. Up to
75% of daily doses are excreted in
the faeces.
Function/Benefits
• Acts as an anticoagulant –
prevents blood clots.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Antioxidant – protects
cell membranes and LDL cholesterol
from free radical damage.
• Anti-age – slows down
the aging process.
• Fertility.
• Helps in the prevention of
miscarriages.
• Bolsters immunity.
• Protects against neurological
disorders.
• Protects against cardiovascular
disease.
• Reduces symptoms of PMS.
• Treats skin problems.
• Prevents photo-oxidative damage
to eye lens.
• Spares vitamin
A.
• Reduces muscles requirement
of oxygen.
• Helps in the normal functioning
of muscle and tissue repair.
• Reduces harmful effects of
inhaling air pollutants (eg. nitrogen
oxide, tobacco smoke.)
Deficiency symptoms
• Cataracts.
• Sterility.
• Miscarriage.
• Age spots.
• Cell membrane damage.
• Heart disease.
• Enlarged prostate.
• Dry, dull hair.
• Stroke.
• Muscle weakness.
• Neuromuscular damage.
Food sources
Almonds. Butter. Fresh wheatgerm.
Wheatgerm oil. Oatmeal. Soybeans.
Vegetable oils. Broccoli. Leafy green
vegetables. Whole grains. Eggs.
U.S. RDA: 30 IU
EU RDA: 10 mg
Supplementation up to 800 IU is ok.
Do not exceed 600 IUs if taking with
vitamin
A (beta carotene). Vitamin
E in high doses has been known to
interfere with beta
carotene absorption.
Vitamin
C has a sparing effect
on vitamin E.
Nutrient Destroyers
Mineral oil. Birth control pills.
Chlorine. Rancid fats and oils.
Caution
Vitamin E has been reported to antagonise
the effects of vitamin K. Vitamin
K is important for proper blood clotting.
Thus vitamin E may impair this function
and lead to longer periods of blood
clotting time in predisposed patients
(eg. those taking anticoagulants or
estrogens).
Toxicity
Vitamin E is generally well tolerated.
Large doses over prolonged periods
have occasionally caused blurred vision,
dizziness, diarrhoea, headache, nausea,
flu-like symptoms, stomach cramps,
lethargy. High doses may be toxic.
Doses greater than 800 IUs should
be medically supervised.
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